Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I'm so excited for you! I've been quietly following Baggins' story and I have to say...each new post makes me cry again. I can't wait to meet him!!
Here's something I've learned--a new dog doesn't take anything away from the previous one. Your heart just gets bigger to accomodate the love you have for yet another one.
I vote for Miles as his name.
Mary
Cemil and mom Mary, Mujde and Radzi….appreciating and enjoying Today
cometdog said:
P.S.
Can you guys bring me this dog from that Taos shelter? (I wished) That face with a grin just melts me!
Don't tempt me!! I will put my doggie rescue folks on it and have this baby in your home next week!! Its my mission to empty out the Taos shelter. Soooo many great dogs there and very few homes.
Beth
[Image Can Not Be Found]
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
dsimas said:
I am sooo excited, but this last day has been a bit meloncholy for me.
I know once he gets here and settled, it'll open a new chapter in my life and that will be wonderful! But until he arrives, I just keep thinking of the empty place that Raven once filled. I think of him with a smile on my face and sadness in my heart.
Dawn, I can relate. When we were getting ready to adopt Wyatt, I felt almost like I was being disloyal to Jerry. But then I realized that Jerry would want us to give a home to a dog who had it ruff, and wouldn't want us to be lonely either. Once we jumped in head first with Wyatt, it felt like a whole new chapter had begun. It wasn't about being disloyal to Jerry anymore, now it was about embracing Jerry's lessons that taught us to live life to the fullest.
Raven is proud of you too. Baggins will be a fantastic dog for you and Betty.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
We can also relate, to a degree. We knew we had to take the puppies or Dante might've faced a less than happy ending, time was running out for our tripawd boy. But, we'd just recently lost our old guy at 15. My head was telling me we had to take him home, but my heart was questioning if it was too soon, and cold hearted to do so, so quickly.
We had decided when and if (who are we kidding, WHEN) we got another dog, it would be nothing like him, in order to preserve his memory and to avoid feeling like we were trying to replace him. A Big part of that was the fact that he was a Pit Bull, and we wanted to avoid that breed all together to be safe, and try something new. Well, these little pups are pit bull pups. I was excited at first, then a few days in I felt we'd made a big mistake. I felt like we were doing a disservice to his memory by moving forward so quickly with these new guys.
Then, something came to mind and made me feel a whole lot better. Our old guy took a turn for the wost on Christmas eve 2009. I remember it vividly because it sent us into a mad panic trying to rearrange travel plans so that we could still see my nephew's first Christmas morning at my sister's, but not be away from our old man for any longer than we had to. It was a slow but also rapid decline from there on out for our old boy. On February 26th 2010 we sent him home to the rainbow.
On Christmas eve 2009, 3 beautiful mixed pups were born and taken to the shelter. On February 26, 2010 they were made available for adoption.
We didn't find them until a little while later. Maybe it was coincidence. But, maybe it was meant to be.
I think things happen for a reason. It has been difficult some days to have the pups around (okay, most days, there are two of them, and they're puppies) and some days Dante even gets called the wrong name, because he does remind us of our old guy often. But, I wouldn't change it for the world. These are two brand new dogs and this is a brand new beginning, but it doesn't change the past and what a wonderful dog our old guy was and the memories we have.
I'm very excited for you, and look forward to seeing pictures and hearing stories!
We just heard from Dawn....Baggins is home!
Here are some pics from his day, before meeting Dawn. Jennifer, who had him after Jim, posted these in her Facebook page.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
And here he is with Dawn!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
dsimas said:
I am sooo excited, but this last day has been a bit meloncholy for me. 6 months since I lost Raven and I was adjusting to my New Normal with just Betty. I am so excited to have a "portable" dog again (Betty has to be carried or go in her stroller for anything over 50 feet due to arthritis). I keep thinking of having him with me for farm chores, etc. But it keeps reminding me of Raven, which I guess I hadn't allowed myself to think about in a while so that I could heal.
I know once he gets here and settled, it'll open a new chapter in my life and that will be wonderful! But until he arrives, I just keep thinking of the empty place that Raven once filled. I think of him with a smile on my face and sadness in my heart.
Hi Dawn,
By now you have Baggins with you- I just saw the pic- congratulations.
I am only 6 weeks out from saying good bye to Maggie. I had decided that I would get another pug when Mag was diagnosed with her second cancer- I knew Tani would have trouble being alone. I too was going back and forth with emotions on weather it was right, or too soon. When I met Obie last Sunday if felt right- but that night at home I wasn't sure. I felt a little like giving him back.
But then I realized that I was not trying to fill the void Maggie left- that will always be her space. The bond we have will transcend all the dogs I ever have in my life. I love Tani, and Obie is starting to fit in. I will miss Mag weather I have one or two or no pugs.
I am so excited for you- and I hope I get a chance to meet him soon.
Karen
Amazing!
Dawn, don't you vanish on us doing the lovey dovey with Baggins! Updates, updates!
By the way, you look great, did you color you hair?
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Sorry for the delay! We're on our honeymoon. 🙂 I've spent the better part of today just trying to get the videos on the puter and then uploaded to youtube, along with pics too. Still not quite done, but will share them soon.
Okay, the big news: Baggins is officially MILES! I was waffling with changing his name at all, and trying out different ones that have been suggested. Then once I accidently just called him Miles when I meant to say Baggins, and that did it. It just fits him. He went 1500 miles to start his new life, and inspired so many people along the way, it's the perfect name.
I have a few questions: Did he ever have a crate along the way? He certainly doesn't need one. But they were going to try one out on the first leg and if he freaked, they'd just keep it for the return trip. I'm wondering if that's what was done. He had no interest in getting in Betty's crate here.
Also, the food in the bag, did that come from the shelter or one of you? He is certainly not a food motivated dog here, I was wondering if he was for any of you? He sniffs it and walks away. He finally ate when it was next to him while he was laying down. So, I'm wondering if I should get him an elevated bowl (I gave Raven's away). He's happy and energetic, just not a big eater.
He is just the BEST dog. Honestly, the dog of my dreams so far. He loves to run around the pasture and help me in the barn. He's my shadow. He definitely likes the house best, sits by the door and waits by leaning on it. He's agile and stands on two legs alot, so he'll stand up and stare in the window. 🙂 I am in and out alot, working on the property, and when I go out just to move irrigation or collect some eggs, he throws a freakin' party when I return after 3 minutes. 
He likes to be brushed with the furminator. He rolls on his back for belly rubs. He even liked having his toenails trimmed!!
So, how many of you cried when you transported him? He seems like an old soul, having been through so much and taking everything in stride. When Tamsen and I were chatting, he was just laying there, suddenly he jumped up and hopped to a fence beside us to look at a white haired black man walking across the road. He chattered his mouth (I've never heard him bark), staring expectantly with his ears perked up. We both about burst into tears. It was right out of Disney where the lost dog sees something familiar. He stared at that man until he was out of sight, then laid down and went back to sleep. So sad! I googled some words to see if anyone had posted somewhere that they lost him, can't find anything. I think someone may have lost him in another city, and somehow he ended up in Taos where the owners didn't know to look... We'll probably never know.
Lots of pics and videos coming! Then I want to start a new blog...
THANK YOU everyone for your support and help in saving this boy and giving he and I a new start in life. 🙂
Dawn and Miles
Rottie Raven, osteosarcoma at 8-1/2 years old, amputation in October '09 and in February '10 due to liver mets he went back to heaven where he came from. raven.tripawds.com
Now I have Miles, rottie mix amputee from a shelter and traveled 1500 miles to find his way here through the Rescue Railroad thanks to tripawds.com. miles.tripawds.com
Oh Dawn!! I'm crying my eyes out. I just don't have words for how I feel, reading this wonderful message. It's not my place to say that I'm proud of him and of you, but that's how I feel. Proud of him for dealing so well with whatever life threw at him before he ended up at Stray hearts and then during his time there, and proud of you for taking the risk, following your intuition, organizing the freedom train from Taos to Auburn, and opening your home and heart to this deserving soul. Such a blessing for him, you, me, everyone who was part of this. Please post your blog address etc so I can continue to follow the story. I hope the Taos News might run a feature on Miles (GREAT name) and his happy story.
Many many blessing to you and your beautiful new boy. I wish I could express better what my heart is trying to say.
Beth
Beth with my beloved Tshuvah, 10 year old "TaosDog". Provisional diagnosis osteosarcoma on 6/10/10, amputation of left foreleg same day, firm diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma 6/24/10. Set free on 9/9/10. Treasured forever.
http://labrador.....ipawds.com
Dawn I'm so happy for you. Miles is now one lucky boy. Kudos to everybody for all the loving kindness you have shown for making this happen. You guys are truly pawsome! I look forward to following Miles and Dawns journey together.
Oh Dawn - words can express how happy I am for you and Miles!! Once he realizes he's there to stay, he's even going to love you more!
You have to wonder what he thought about that road trip!?? "Geeze, I always wanted to see the country but this is just weird!"
Comet - 1999 to 2011
She departed us unexpectedly January 23, 2011 at the age of 12 1/2.
She was born with a deformed front leg and a tripawd all of her life.
Hi Dawn;
I'm happy that you have started the bonding process with Miles. I'll bet in a few days he'll seem like he's been yours forever...
To answer the crate question, I do know that when Mary and I picked him up in Colorado Springs, he was in the back of a pickup truck (with a camper shell) inside of a cage. There were several other dogs in cages with him as well. He seemed to be glad to be free of that when we put him in our truck, and he simply laid down in the back seat and enjoyed the ride home. From here to Ft. Collins he wasn't in a cage either, just rode nicely in the back of Mary's Hummer.
Hey Dawn,
It sounds like Miles is settling in quite nicely in his new home... I loved all the videos you posted of him and Betty and Cowboy. Looks like Cowboy has totally accepted him! 
I'm looking forward to seeing lots more pictures and videos of your new baby!! Congratulations!!!
Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom
Jake, 10yr old golden retriever (fractured his front right leg on 9/1, bone biopsy revealed osteosarcoma on 9/10, amputation on 9/17) and his family Marguerite, Jacques and Wolfie, 5yr old german shepherd and the newest addition to the family, Nala, a 7mth old Bengal mix kittie. Jake lost his battle on 11/9/2009, almost 8 weeks after his surgery. We will never forget our sweet golden angel… http://jakesjou.....ipawds.com ….. CANCER SUCKS!
dsimas said:
Baggins is officially MILES!
Yeah! Welcome home Miles! The Miler… Miley… Milorama… Miles… 
As far as we know, there was never any crate. And as you now know he certainly doesn't need one. Though now that he's home we'll divulge that he did somehow pee on the hotel bed! Weird, considering he didn't want to get up there, but he must have when I was in the shower. Unless it was from the previous guest, which considering the fine accomodations may indeed be the case. But I digress...
The food is Orijen, from Wyatt's stash. Miles ate maybe one or two cups our whole time together. Rene baked the treats, and he didn't seem to care for those either.
We're looking forward to following the Miles blog! Just make sure you're logged in and click any link for the Signup page to get it going.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
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